Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month with a Cost-Cutting Gift to Yourself

We all love a good time, but in today’s economy even fun carries a high price tag. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends more on entertainment than gas, household furnishings and even clothing. From concert tickets to movie rentals to magazines, there are endless ways to lighten your wallet in the pursuit of happiness, but at what cost to your overall budget and long-term financial security?

Savvy spenders and savers can find big savings in one small (and free) package. One of the best bargains in town is a little plastic card that’s free of charge but can save you a lot – your Broward County Library card. September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, the perfect time for everyone to get a Broward County Library Card of their own. For those who’re already a card-carrying customer, here are some great reminders about how to save cash with your library card.

Top 10 Ways to Save with Your Broward County Library Card

Use a free public computer or WiFi seven days a week at library locations countywide. (Home internet access can run from $10 and up, depending on your plan.)

Borrow a video game for free instead of buying or renting it. (Today’s new titles debut in stores at $49.99.)

Get free eBooks including today’s hottest bestsellers and books of all genres. (Save an average of $10 per title.)

Learn a foreign language at home, at your convenience with free online language classes that include Spanish, French, Chinese and even American Sign Language (Today’s language-learning software can costs hundreds of dollars – for one just language.)

Broward County Library and the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale will host a special Library Card Sign-up Month event on Saturday, September 22 in conjunction with the launch of the newly designed Broward County Library "BCL WoW" card and the Shark Tales exhibit at the Museum. The free event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, will feature:

Children who sign up for a free Broward County Library card will also receive free admission to the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale on the first Saturday of every month.

Getting Your Free Broward County Library Card – It’s Easy!

If you just can’t wait until September 22 (and why should you?), apply online or in person at any Broward County Library. You’ll need photo identification and address verification. There is no charge for cards for Broward County residents, and a free courtesy card, good for one year, is available for non-residents living and working in Broward County. For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit any Broward County Library location in person or visit the library online at www.broward.org/library.

Books and Resources on Saving Money from Broward County Library:

How to Be More Credit Card and Debt Smart: Powerful Financial Strategies for Saving Money on Your Credit Cards and Debt, by Scott Bilker More...

How to Live Well Without a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier and Get More Mileage Out of Life, by Chris Balish More...